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Sunday, November 12, 2017

Kurt Atterberg - Symphonies (Ari Rasilainen)


Information

Composer: Kurt Atterberg

CD1:
  • (01-04) Symphony No. 1 in B minor, Op. 3
  • (05-08) Symphony No. 4 in G minor "Sinfonia piccola", Op. 14 (built on Swedish folk motifs)
CD2:
  • (01-03) Symphony No. 2 in F major, Op. 6
  • (04-06) Symphony No. 5 in D minor "Sinfonia funèbre", Op. 20
CD3:
  • (01-03) Symphony No. 3 in D major "Västkustbilder" (West Coast Pictures), Op. 10
  • (04-06) Symphony No. 6 in C major "Dollar Symphony", Op. 31
CD4:
  • (01-03) Symphony No. 7 "Sinfonia Romantica", Op. 45
  • (04-07) Symphony No. 8, Op. 48 (on Swedish folk motifs)
CD5:
  • (01-13) Symphony No. 9 "Sinfonia visionaria", Op. 54
  • (14-20) The River - from the Mountains to the Sea, symphonic poem, Op. 33

Satu Vihavainen, mezzo-sorpano (No. 9)
Gabriel Suovanen, baritone (No. 9)
NDR Chor (No. 9)
Prager Kammerchor (No. 9)

Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra (Nos. 1, 2, 4 & 5)
Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra (Nos. 3, 6, 7 & 8)
NDR Radio Philharmonic Orchestra (No. 9 & Op. 33)
Ari Rasilainen, conductor

Date: 1998-2003
Compilation: 2004
Label: cpo

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Review

ARTISTIC QUALITY: 10 / SOUND QUALITY: 10

Listening to Kurt Atterberg's symphonies together in sequence (the collection was previously released on five separate discs--type Q1958, Q5032, Q2147, Q3148, and Q6782 in Search Reviews) you're certain to be impressed by the composer's consistently imaginative melodic invention and powerfully effective orchestration. These works are not just footnotes in 20th century symphonic literature, but are real contenders for greatness. While Atterberg doesn't possess the sort of stunning, out-of-nowhere originality of Sibelius (whose music at times Atterberg's resembles), he does make marvelous use of already existing techniques to construct some brilliant, evocative, and always highly enjoyable works.

A strong Nordic strain runs thoughout the symphonies, from the folkish No. 1 to the grandly epic No. 9 "Sinfonia Visionaria". Nos. 2 and 7 both offer captivating narrative drama, while the Fifth ("Sinfonia funebre") uses a cyclic concept in a manner similar to Mahler's Sixth. Probably the most immediately impressive is No. 3, whose second movement is so grippingly cinematic you easily could think the symphony's "West Coast Pictures" subtitle refers to a Hollywood studio. Nos. 4, 6, and 8 present Atterberg's lighter side, with bucolic pleasantries in the Fourth ("Sinfonia piccola") and Sixth, while the Eighth offers Sibelius Sixth-style modal harmonies in crystalline textures.

All nine symphonies (as well as the symphonic poem Alven) feature vivid orchestral writing (the Ninth showcases Atterberg's considerable skill in handling large choral forces), as well as Atterberg's penchant for building perfectly-timed, irresistibly exciting climaxes. Conductor Ari Rasilainen clearly has immersed himself in the composer's world, leading powerful and highly idiomatic performances with the Frankfurt, Stuttgart, and Hanover orchestras. CPO maintains consistently spacious, high-impact sound throughout the series. Lovers of the symphony rejoice: here's another mighty nine! [2/24/2005]

-- Victor Carr Jr., ClassicsToday

More reviews:
http://www.musicweb-international.com/classrev/2005/Sep05/Atterberg_symphonies_7771182.htm
http://www.allmusic.com/album/kurt-atterberg-the-symphonies-box-set-mw0001384551
http://www.amazon.com/Atterberg-Complete-Symphonies-Kurt/dp/B0007ACVDW

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Kurt Atterberg (12 December 1887 – 15 February 1974) was a Swedish composer and engineer, best known for his symphonies, operas and ballets. Atterberg composed nine symphonies, six concertante works, nine orchestral suites, three string quartets, five operas and two ballets. His works combine compositional styles of the Russians, Brahms and Reger with Swedish folk tunes. From 1924 to 1947, Atterberg was president of the Society of Swedish Composers, which he co-founded in 1918, alongside other prominent composers such as Ture Rangström, Wilhelm Stenhammar and Hugo Alfvén.

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Ari Rasilainen (born 18 February 1959 in Helsinki) is a Finnish conductor. Rasilainen studied under Jorma Panula (conducting) at the Sibelius Academy, and later under Arvid Jansons (conducting) and Alexander Lobko (violin) in Berlin. He started his career as a violinist and was leader of the 2nd violins with the Helsinki Philharmonic (1980-1986). Rasilainen was Chief Conductor of the Lappeenranta City Orchestra (1984-1989), the Norwegian Radio Symphony (1994-2002), and the Deutsche Staatsphilharmonie Rheinland-Pfalz (2002-2009). He has recorded More than 50 recordings for various labels.

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6 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. Many many thanks for sharing this truly wonderful music, it's absolutely delightful!!!!

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  3. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  4. Hi! Love Atterberg, hope you can repost this at some point. Thanks!

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